§ 65. Sir CHARLES CAYZERasked the Minister of Health whether the warning conveyed in the annual report of the Ministry of Health as to the potential danger of the practice of wrapping cheeses in tinfoil was based on a report of an official analyst of the Ministry; and whether the samples examined were of British or of foreign origin?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe report quoted was that of a public analyst appointed by a local authority. The appointment of such an officer is subject to the approval of my Department, who require to be satisfied as to the competence of the person appointed. I understand that some of the samples examined were British, and that some were imported.
§ Sir C. CAYZERDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that a grave warning of this kind based on such slender evidence is calculated to do a great deal of harm to an important industry?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI do not accept the lion. Member's suggestion that there is slender evidence.
§ Sir C. CAYZERHas not the right hon. Gentleman received a number of protests from cheese-makers who claim that their products are not contaminated in this way?
§ Mr. GREENWOODQuite so, but it nevertheless remains true that a distinguished public analyst has said that in certain cases food was contaminated.